A couple of months ago I got frustrated with my iMac which was running slower than I wanted it to. When I looked at my system overview I learned why: the machine is nearly ten years old.

This is the first time that I’ve even thought to look at the age of the machine, the first 27-inch iMac with the 5K Retina screen that shipped in 2014. That’s Apple in my experience. Mac computers, especially, are built to last.

So it was time to visit my local Apple Store to figure out what I was going to get as a replacement. I opted to go back to the flagship store at Pacific Centre.

And while I’m giving the 27-inch iMac from 2014 to one of my kids – it’s more than enough computer for what they need it for – my visit also gave me an opportunity to take in my first iMac that finally gave up the ghost last year, and which has been sitting on the floor in my office ever since.

While I might be a tech journalist, I don’t actually know everything about everything, and I wasn’t entirely sure what would be the best computer replacement for me. That’s almost certainly true for most people, and it’s why Apple’s retail experience is so important and valuable.

The experts in the stores are experts. They understand Apple products inside and out. They aren’t on commission, so you don’t have to worry about them trying to eke out every penny they can.

And in my experience, I often end up with a cheaper option that I expected. Because the experts take the time to understand my needs and requirements, and they recommend the best option to meet those requirements.

For me, the most important thing is being able to service as much screen real estate as possible. I’ve been using three monitors for a few years now, and will not go back. Given that constraint, the choice was pretty clear: Mac mini. Specifically, the model with the M2 Pro chip that can display on three monitors at a time.

While I was chatting away with an Apple expert, one of their colleagues was processing the ancient iMac to be taken away for recycling. This is actually part of Apple’s Trade-In program which can get you credit towards a purchase. Even an iPhone 7 can still get you up to $50.

You can trade in almost any computer equipment at Apple, too, not just Apple products. And if you’re not sure they’ll take something, you can always ask.

And while I didn’t opt for financing, Apple has interest-free financing for up to two years for those who qualify.

While I couldn’t get the Mac mini I wanted in the store – my configuration needed to be ordered – I did walk away with a new keyboard and a birthday present for the kid who’s about to turn 16. I can’t divulge what that is for fear of ruining the surprise.

My new Mac will be delivered to my office soon. I can’t wait to get it up and running, so I can forget about having to get a new computer for another ten years.